Forest County

Forest County...Take a Breath.

Forest County is aptly named. The woodlands that cover the landscape of Forest County are some of Wisconsin’s largest and most beautiful. In addition, the county is home to more than 800 lakes and 850 miles of trout streams. It’s a year-round outdoor playground.

The forests provide an inviting auto tour opportunity. Roll down Rustic Road 34 or take a drive through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest along the Heritage Drive National Forest Scenic Byway.

Take a paddle down the Wolf River, Brule River, Peshtigo River, Pine River and Popple River. Follow the Wabikon and Riley Lakes Canoeing Path. Go whitewater rafting on the Peshtigo River. Or, go swimming at the Crandon Municipal Beach or Silver Lake Beach.

Anglers can fish hundreds of lakes for walleye, musky, bass, pike and panfish. Lakes range from 2,157-acre Lake Metonga to crystal clear ponds. Hundreds of miles of trout streams present anglers with a chance to catch one of Wisconsin’s native brook trout.

Mountain bikers will love Forest County. Ride the Anvil Trail, Ed’s Lake Trail, Nicolet North Trail and Otter Springs Trail. Hiking is available on ten Forest County trails. Logging roads running through the national forest provide another opportunity for hiking. The national forest’s huge tracts of woodlands also make it the ideal place for birdwatching.

Forest County is one of the best places in the state to go cross-country skiing. Groomed trails in the national forest include Ed’s Lake Trail, Nicolet North Trail and the Anvil Trail. County forest trails include Otter Springs Trail and Hemlock Lake Ski Trail.

Snowmobilers will enjoy over 400 miles of groomed trails in Forest County. Ride the 100 Mile Snow Safari through the Nicolet National Forest and enjoy a true winter adventure.

Go ATVing on 8 miles of developed trails or ride the 32-mile Nicolet State Trail, the 15-mile Wolf River State Trail or selected town and county roads open to ATV traffic.

Golf the Nicolet Golf Club near Laona and Maplewood Golf Course in Pickerel. You’ll enjoy a unique golf experience – deer and other wildlife are common sights on area courses.

Forest County offers more than just outdoor recreation. Experience a Pow Wow hosted by the Mole Lake Sokaogon Chippewa or the Forest County Potawatomi Community. Try your luck at the Mole Lake or Potawatomi Carter Casinos. Visit the Logging Museum in Wabeno or the Camp 5 Museum and Lumberjack Steam Train ride in Laona.

It’s time you experienced Forest County for yourself!

North Central ITBEC

ITBEC brings together tourism, business, local government and economic development leaders to coordinate the creation and implementation of shared economic development initiatives.